Site Advisory: Whakamaru Recreation Reserve closed for the summer
Site Advisory: Whakamaru Recreation Reserve (Free Parking, #3286 on the Travel Directory, Travel App) is closed for the summer.
The South Waikato District Council has made the decision after failing to find a contractor to remove some ageing trees in the reserve.
"The felling of the neighbouring trees has effectively removed the wind break for the reserve," explained Council's Parks and Reserves Manager Phil Parker. "This has heightened the risk of one or more of the many aging pine trees loosing limbs or entire trees falling, making them dangerous to the public."
Council has installed signage and gates on the reserve access roads and trails accordingly.
"Council had hoped to fell the trees this year and have this popular reserve open for Christmas, however Council has been unable to secure a contractor to do this work before the New Year due to the contractors' existing work commitments," explained Mr Parker.
"Council takes the safety of its reserve users very seriously. Camping can simply not be permitted with the aging trees posing such a serious health and safety risk."
There are other reserves in the district that can be used over the summer period- Dunhams Reserve (#3225 on the TD, App); Little Waipa (#1712 on the TD, App); and Jones Landing (#1758 on the TD, App). And please observe reserve rules; no motorbikes, no fires, keep dogs under control & be mindful of alcohol consumption.